Obey God and Do it Anyway
“19) But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19,20)
We must do what is right in God’s sight even if men threaten to take away all that we have, even our lives.
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
How we need men today with boldness to obey God rather than men!
“And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60)
How do we respond to those who hurt us? Do we love our enemies and ask the Lord to forgive them?
Counted Worthy to Suffer for Christ
“40) And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42)
If threatened because of speaking for Christ, would I remember that He has counted me worthy to suffer shame for His name, and would I rejoice? Would I unceasingly teach and preach Jesus Christ? How much more should I be doing so when there are no threats!
Persecution Spreads the Gospel
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
The persecution helped to push the disciples into beginning to fulfill the great commission. God did not want them to wait until all of Jerusalem was reached before they began moving toward the uttermost. At this time, they only went into Judaea and Samaria. And when they went into Judaea and Samaria, they went EVERYWHERE preaching the word.
“2) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3) Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4) But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5) And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6) They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7) And there they preached the gospel.” (Acts 14:2-7) When we face non-violent persecution, we should just continue preaching and teaching the word. If we know that our lives are in danger, we can run away. But that doesn’t mean it is time to quit preaching the word. There are many other places that need the gospel.
Joy
“And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 13:52) Persecution should cause us to be filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.
Confirming Believers so that They will be Strong under Persecution
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)
It is important to return to the churches that have been established under our ministry, to confirm the souls of the disciples, to exhort them to continue in the faith, and to remind them that they will face much tribulation on this earth.
~T. J. L. Y.